Applying to pathology w/o doing a path sub-i/rotation

[question]

Hi guys,

As of recently, I have developed an interest in pathology. However I don't have any time left now (since I'm already in mid-october) to do a pathology rotation. I could get 1 LOR from a really nice pathology professor (MD) I had as a 1st and 2nd year medical student and 1 LOR from an internal medicine doctor. Do you think it would be allright if I applied without having done an actual rotation in pathology. What are my chances at california schools that are either middle-tier or just below top-tier? Thanks a bunch.

 

[GreatPumpkin]

Probably will not make any difference. You chances at Cali schools or any school will be more based on your USMLE scores, grades and interviews, not what your schedule is this year.

 

[Mindy]

My question to Q:

How do you know you like pathology? I am just curious how people without pathology experience come to find they like the field. I never would have considered pathology if it weren't for the post-soph fellowship.

Mindy

 

[rirriri]

yeah, i really think that you should TRY doing some patho electives before you jump right into a residency.

not doing electives in path. will not have an immense impact on you getting a residency in some of the programs you may be looking at, however having some good recommendations from pathologists good only help.

i don't think that lifestyle and income and all the coverable criteria are the sole means to judge the entire field, because what happens if you don't even like it once you start your residency? i definetely think you should have a short go at an elective.

-rirriri the cotton spreader